Factors affecting the cost of moving from MA to SC
There are many factors that influence
Massachusetts moving costs.
The cost to move from Massachusetts to South Carolina will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Time of year: The peak moving season
in Massachusetts is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from MA to SC
If you’re moving to South Carolina from Massachusetts, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs. South Carolina
|
Massachusetts |
South Carolina |
Average rent cost |
$1,588 |
$1,065 |
Average home cost |
$623,131 |
$295,769 |
Average income (per capita) |
$96,505 |
$63,623 |
Cost of Living Index |
100 |
96 |
Unemployment rate |
3.9% |
4.7% |
Average Sales Tax |
6.25% |
7.46% |
State Income Tax |
9.0% |
7.0% |
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Rent is about 33% less expensive in South Carolina than in Massachusetts.
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Home prices are about 53% lower in South Carolina than in Massachusetts.
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The average income is about 34% lower in South Carolina than in Massachusetts.
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Cost of living is 4% lower in South Carolina than in Massachusetts.
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South Carolina has a higher unemployment rate than Massachusetts by about 21%.
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Sales taxes are 19% higher in South Carolina than in Massachusetts.
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Income taxes are 22% lower in South Carolina than in Massachusetts.
How life is different in South Carolina vs. Massachusetts
|
South Carolina |
Massachusetts |
Population |
5,373,555 |
7,001,399 |
Political leaning |
Republican 58-42 |
Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
Summer high |
91ºF |
82ºF |
Winter low |
33ºF |
16ºF |
Annual rain |
48" |
49" |
Annual snow |
1" |
47" |
Crime index |
28.0 |
13.92 |
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The population of South Carolina is approximately 23% lower than the population of Massachusetts.
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In the last presidential election, South Carolina voted Republican and Massachusetts voted Democratic.
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The average high in the summertime in South Carolina is 91ºF
and in Massachusetts, it’s 82ºF.
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During the coldest part of the year, South Carolina reaches the temperature of 33ºF
and Massachusetts gets down to 16ºF.
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You can expect about 48 inches of annual rainfall in South Carolina versus 49 inches of rainfall in Massachusetts.
-
In South Carolina, it snows about 1 inch annually
versus 47 inches of snow in Massachusetts.
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South Carolina has a higher crime rate than Massachusetts with a crime index
of 28.0 vs. 13.92.
Comparing the pros of Massachusetts vs. South Carolina
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in South Carolina compared to Massachusetts.
Pros of living in Massachusetts |
Pros of living in South Carolina |
Natural beauty |
Warm southern hospitality |
Excellent education system |
Plentiful outdoor activities |
Delicious seafood |
Beautiful landscapes |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Consistently gorgeous weather |
Home to Boston |
Rich historical significance |
Comparing the cons of living in Massachusetts vs. South Carolina
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Massachusetts for South Carolina.
Cons of living in Massachusetts |
Cons of living in South Carolina |
Bad traffic |
High cost of living |
Poor driving conditions |
Hurricane frequency |
Harsh winter weather |
Low quality of healthcare |
High cost of living |
High taxes |
Peculiar liquor laws |
Abundance of construction |
Other things to consider for your Massachusetts to South Carolina move
- Weather: South Carolina had hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters and coastal areas of the state have very mild winters. While precipitation is abundant the entire year in almost the entire state, the coast tends to have a slightly wetter summer, while inland, the spring and autumn transitions tend to be the wettest periods and winter the driest season, with November being the driest month.
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HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
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Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
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Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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State licensing:
To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
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State regulator:
You can verify a South Carolina moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
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Moving permits:
South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to South Carolina.
Get started here.
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Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in South Carolina
While you’re in South Carolina, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Charleston's Historic District
- Myrtle Beach
- Hilton Head Island
- Brookgreen Gardens
- Middleton Place
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
- Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- South Carolina State Museum
- Caesars Head State Park
- Congaree National Park
- DuPont Planetarium
- Alligator Adventure
- UFO Welcome Center
- The Battery
- Falls Park on the Reedy
- Charleston Tea Plantation
- The Peace Center
Helpful moving resources
Massachusetts moving services
Popular Massachusetts routes